A MAN was hit on the head from behind, forced to the ground and then kicked repeatedly by a gang of robbers in a Colchester street.

Roddy Ashworth

A MAN was hit on the head from behind, forced to the ground and then kicked repeatedly by a gang of robbers in a Colchester street.

Police are appealing for witnesses after the brutal attack in Flagstaff Road at around 9.40pm on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old victim was approached by five men who viciously attacked him, knocking him to the floor and then kicking him in the head and legs.

He then started emptying his pockets in a frantic bid to make them stop.

A passing car flashed its lights and sounded its horn and the group ran off, taking a number of the man's belongings.

One of the robbers is described as white, about 6ft tall and of a muscular build.

He was aged in his mid to late teens and was wearing a blue and white hooded top with the hood up.

The top had horizontal stripes running round it and was zipped at the front.

He was also wearing three quarter-length khaki coloured trousers and white trainers.

Another of the men is described as black, about 5ft 8in tall, of very thin build and with short hair.

He was wearing a light coloured sweatshirt and jeans.

Det Con Richard Edwards said: “We are particularly keen to speak to the passing motorist who flashed their lights or any residents in the Magdalen Green area of town, as they may have some key information which could help us bring these individuals to justice.

“We would urge anyone with information to please get in touch.”

Witnesses are asked to contact Det Con Andy Young at Colchester Police Station on 0300 333 4444 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 111 555.